ADHD Medication in the UK
Treatments for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain. They also boost the production of neurotransmitters that are deficient in people with ADHD.
In the UK, stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. They are used to increase brain activity in areas that are involved in impulse control and attention.
Stimulants
In the UK, there are two types medications that are approved for adults ADHD treatment that are approved for treatment of ADHD: stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. The stimulants are typically offered as the first option because they boost activity in the areas of the brain that help control attention and behavior. These include methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken multiple times a day as a pill that acts quickly or every week in the form of a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. The dosage of the medication could require frequent adjustments in the early days as it is adjusted and monitored (titrated) to determine a dose that works best for you.
Stimulants are utilized as medical and recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students, and athletes took amphetamines to boost their energy. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be misused. They are abused because they make people feel happy and stimulate the brain in ways that can result in addiction.
Insomnia, difficulty sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach are some of the most common adverse effects of stimulants. Modifications in the dosage or timing of the medication often reduce these problems. They are generally well-tolerated by most adults. Children may experience more serious side effects, such as the tics, weight gain and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications function differently than stimulants and can take a while to see them begin to work. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are alpha agonists, both of which work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioural issues such as aggression and tics. They can be used in addition to ADHD stimulant medication or taken alone by children aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication that improves the ability to control impulses and concentration by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication, but it is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine to treat children. These drugs do not have the same negative side effects as stimulants, but they can still cause headaches and sleep problems.
Atomoxetine
Some children do not respond to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. Nonstimulants are a possibility for these children. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, helping children focus more easily and manage impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medications use different active ingredients than stimulants. They also don't have the potential to be abused and aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant, and has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention and motivation.
Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of effect it does not suffer from the same adverse effects as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as old as 5 and is administered orally, every day, either once or twice in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives you a steady, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems at night, when the stimulants have wore off.
Both clonidine and guanfacine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are typically prescribed to children who haven't responded to stimulant medications or who have problems with their adverse effects. They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants, like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to provide an effective treatment for ADHD.
If you or your child are being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow your GP's instructions carefully. They'll likely recommend starting with low doses and gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also ask about any other medications you or your child are taking to check for interactions. You'll have to make regular appointments and let your GP be aware of any concerns or reactions from the medication. They may change the dosage, or suggest alternative treatments like talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with various stimulant and anti-stimulant medicines. The psychiatric physician can also prescribe medications that are off-label (these are substances that are licensed for a different condition but have emerging evidence for effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants like bupropion or venflaxine, which have been shown to have some positive effects in the condition and are well-tolerated at lower doses than those found in the licensed treatments.
Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to patients when there is a medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription is not met by a licensed alternative. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is temporarily unavailable due to disruption in supply, as well as patients requiring liquid formulations of a certified tablet or capsule due to intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medications are usually called'specials' however, this can also apply to medicines which are 'off-label', or that are prepared or sold in a manner that isn't covered by the license of the medicine. Examples include crushing tablets in order to make them easier for the patient to swallow. Others may include adding liquid to tablets or capsules that are licensed to make a mix that can be administered via injection.
Healthcare professionals will generally only employ unlicensed drugs as a last resort when they feel there is no licensed alternative. They will carefully consider a wide selection of options in order to meet the needs of each patient. They will also regularly review treatments and outcomes taking into consideration both clinical experience and new licensed treatments.
It is crucial that any medicine that is not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's records. Report any side effects that a patient might experience from an off-label medication by using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information is used by the MHRA to update the marketing authorisation of the medicine and ensure future prescriptions are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A talk therapist will work with you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them. adhd medication for adults uk will also provide guidance and advice on how to change your way of thinking and acting in order to feel more positive. It is vital to complete the recommended number of sessions to improve your mood.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These are chemicals that allow your neurons to transmit messages and help you focus your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medication: stimulants and other non-stimulants. They work in slightly different ways but they all improve the supply of neurotransmitters in your brain.
There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times per day. Or as modified-release tablets that are taken once a week but released throughout the duration of the day. These medications aren't a cure for ADHD however they can make it easier to focus and control an impulsive behavior. They are generally well-tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure you receive the right dose and that you don't suffer any adverse side effects. It may take several weeks for the medication to reach its optimal level. You may also have to adjust your dosage (change your dose regularly) to find out what is most effective.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only on prescription) can be more efficient and have less potential for addiction than stimulants. They have a more solid evidence base but they are not as well-tolerated and some people suffer from problems with their appetite, memory, or sleep. Your doctor will be able to monitor your progress and determine whether to keep taking atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment.
Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for people with ADHD. However, they can enhance your ability to cope with your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. You will get the most out of your treatment by combining treatments with regular sessions with your therapist as this will give you a chance to learn ways to cope and identify problematic patterns in your behavior and thinking. For some, their improved confidence and mood may last beyond the end of their treatment.